Hallowell Acadia Is Revolutionizing the Heating Industry
March 3, 2010 by
Joe Hennager
Filed under
Blog, Eco-Friendly, Ecopreneurs, Engineers, Front Page, Heat Pump, HVAC, North America, Slideshow, Tax Incentives
Duane Hallowell stands behind the Acadia, a revolutionary air-source heat pump that works down to -30° F. Photo: Courtesy Duane Hallowell
How do you heat and cool your home? Do you have both a furnace and an air conditioner? What if you could install a single, highly efficient, and environmentally sound system to handle both heating and cooling?
The Acadia, designed and built by Hallowell International, is a revolutionary, next-generation, air-source heat pump — the first that functions efficiently in cold climates down to -30˚F. Even residents of Canada and New England can enjoy comfortable indoor temperatures year ’round without the use of fossil fuels.
Blue Planet Green Living (BPGL) spoke with Duane Hallowell, president and co-founder of Hallowell International, to learn about the latest innovation in heat pumps. We began by asking him what prompted the development of the Acadia. — Joe Hennager, President
UPDATE 3/27/11: Our efforts to contact Hallowell International have been unsuccessful for the past six months. We have heard reports that the company is out of business, though we have not personally been able to verify this. — Julia Wasson, Publisher
HALLOWELL: My co-founder, David Shaw, worked as a senior compressor designer for one of the largest HVAC [heat, ventilation, and air conditioning] companies in the world. He had spent his life working on thermodynamic principles and simpler ways to do things better.
In the (1990s, an electric utility approached him, asking for a better solution for air conditioning and an air-source heat pump that would work well in northern climates. David suggested using a geothermal system.
The utility said, “That’s not the answer we’re looking for. We’ve been trying to promote geothermal systems very heavily with incentive programs and rebates, but not enough people put them in.”
The upfront cost of the wells or the ground loops made the installation too complicated or costly. On the other hand, air-source heat pumps are simple to install and remain the most dominant form of heating in southern climates. In northern climates, they rapidly lose their ability to efficiently heat below freezing conditions.
David said, “That’s not a very difficult problem to solve. An air-source heat pump is more than capable, but you’d have to adjust your way of thinking about it.”
BPGL: What did he mean by that?
HALLOWELL: Historically, heat pumps were primarily designed as air conditioners. For heating, they’re really not suited below 30 degrees F, or below freezing conditions. Your toaster, oven, or electric water heater uses electric energy very inefficiently — to produce heat. Heat pumps, geothermal systems, and Acadias use a refrigeration practice to take that same electric energy and simply transfer heat, not produce it. Since the 1950s, heat pumps have been used in numerous applications and today are known to provide efficiencies up to 500%. But the ability to transfer heat efficiently and comfortably got lost below freezing conditions.
David’s solution to the problem was to use a basic, cost-effective, air-source heat pump but put it on steroids! Customers in northern climates wouldn’t have the high, up-front installation costs of geothermal, but we had to make the heat pump work better. Very simply, we created and patented a concept that would allow the system to continue to absorb heat in northern climates.
Boosted Compression
BPGL: How does it work?
HALLOWELL: We use a secondary compressor and sub cooler, which essentially works like a turbo booster. We call it, “boosted compression.” You really have to look at the usable energy down to absolute zero. There’s actually plenty of heat in the air, you just have to compound it, compress it, and put it in the house.
It’s no different than the concept of your refrigerator freezer, when you think about, “Is there usable energy in that air?” In a freezer, you’ve got frozen pizzas and Popsicles and everything else. Yet, if you feel the back, it’s warm. The compressor takes the energy from inside that freezer space and transfers the heat into the air outside the freezer.
Alternatives to Fossil Fuels
BPGL: Was there an environmental motivation behind the invention of the Acadia?
HALLOWELL: When I was introduced to David Shaw, I didn’t think a lot about energy efficiency, being green, or environmental concerns. I was starting my career, and I was concentrating on design and manufacturing.
Then I started seeing all the problems. Electric utilities were talking about some pretty taxing issues on the electric grid. They said, “We really need to reduce these peak loads — both from air conditioning and heating — in so many different parts of the country.” Each state is just riddled with problems. So it was a mad dash to increase efficiency on both heating and cooling.
At the same time, fossil fuel costs started rising very rapidly. And environmental concerns came in very strong. I was contacted by groups like Rocky Mountain Institute, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, and major utilities all across the US that were trying to encourage our growth. They said, “If you can truly do this with an air-source heat pump, you’ve just fixed a myriad of problems that we’ve been trying to address for many years.” Until the Acadia, the only answer had been geothermal heat pumps.
Inside the Acadia air-source heat pump system. Diagram: Courtesy of Duane Hallowell
In 2008, everyone said, “What is there besides oil? I’m not going to gamble the heating system in my house on the unstable and unpredictable fossil fuel market for the next 20 years.”
BPGL: What alternative heating systems were you seeing in New England at the time?
HALLOWELL: We saw a lot of innovation coming in very rapidly, but it was mainly along the lines of pellet stoves and minor steps toward improvements to fossil fuel systems. People started taking notice of heat pumps and asking, “Do we have air-source heat pumps that work in northern climates?”
When we designed the Acadia, we asked, “What’s wrong with a standard air-source heat pump in northern climates?” Efficiency was, I think, number seven on the list. Reliability was absolutely number one. Comfort was number two.
With our patented boosted compression technology, the Acadia fixed what had been the issue. We were kind of pioneering in the northern climates. Our first work was done strictly with electric utilities. And it immediately went into the mainstream market, replacing fossil fuel systems throughout New England.
BPGL: How is the Acadia different from a geothermal heat pump system?
HALLOWELL: The Acadia is categorized as an air-source heat pump. A geothermal is called a ground-source heat pump. So when you transfer heat, you’re taking energy from one place and putting it in another; with the Acadia that energy transfer is via the air, and with geothermal it is from the ground. A heat pump is nothing more than an air conditioner that can reverse direction. When you’re air conditioning, you’re taking energy — heat — from inside your house and transferring it outside. And when heating, you are doing the opposite: pulling the heat from the outside air and transferring it into the home.
Air-source heat pumps occupy a large percentage of heating systems sold in the US. But until the Acadia, they were not feasible in northern climates due to the loss of efficiencies, comfort, and reliability as temperatures drop.
High Performance Below Freezing
BPGL: So, the Acadia can keep a house comfortably warm even when it’s 20 degrees below zero (Fahrenheit)?
HALLOWELL: A conventional air-source heat pump only works down to freezing conditions. And that was the significance behind the Acadia. We actually rated the system to 30 degrees below zero, with the same efficiencies that you see with conventional air-source heat pumps in milder conditions. This is due to our patented technology, the “secret sauce” behind the Acadia.
BPGL: How do you control frost buildup?
HALLOWELL: As it gets colder outside, there’s less relative humidity in the air. It actually gets easier for us to handle frost buildup. The toughest part of the winter for us, or for any air-source heat pump, is the conditions between 25 and 40 degrees. That’s when the relative humidity in the winter air is highest. That’s when you’re going to accumulate frost.
The engineering into the Acadia really fell into the 25 to 40 degree range. The greatest penalty associated with any air-source heat pump is going to be its necessity to defrost. So we said, if we’re going to peak our efficiency of the Acadia for winter heating conditions, let’s design it around the defrost.
The Cooperative Research Network, which is the research branch of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, studied us in seven states alongside conventional air-source heat pumps. We defrosted approximately 50% less than the conventional air-source heat pump we were studied against, which was remarkable in itself. The Acadia also used less than 5% supplemental heat compared to over 40% used by the conventional heat pump.
Comparing Costs
BPGL: How does the cost of using the Acadia compare with other heating systems?
HALLOWELL: It varies. The lower the electrical rate, the more favorable the Acadia is — especially over fossil fuel. Here in Maine, we pay 15 cents per kilowatt hour. With current fossil fuel prices, the Acadia provides a 42% savings on average. When you go out to areas where you have a more favorable electric rate, it’s even better. The national average, I believe, is 11 cents per kilowatt hour right now. At 11 cents per kilowatt hour, you’re probably at 55% or greater savings over fossil fuel.
Over natural gas, I’m showing a 25% savings. And you’ve got to remember, natural gas is the closest thing to competition that we have. If a customer doesn’t have natural gas in their town, and they use propane — which is the case in a lot of towns and rural communities — right now at 12 cents per kilowatt hour, that’s a 50% savings with an air-source heat pump. If you were to compare the Acadia to number 2 heating oil or propane, the savings would be even more than that. It’s all case-specific based on electric rates.
BPGL: What does it cost to install an Acadia?
HALLOWELL: The average cost is $10- to $14,000 installed, for the labor, equipment, and duct modifications. If you’ve already got central air conditioning, it can be less than that, because the modifications are relatively minor. Normally, it’s a pretty easy installation.
If you’re changing out a perfectly good system, you’d have to make an investment. But when it’s time to replace your system, what would you have spent on the Acadia compared to a conventional system? For most of our contractors, if they’re doing an upgrade, it costs anywhere from $5- to $7,000 for a retrofit. That means, they’re putting in another natural gas furnace and a central air conditioner. So, if we assume that you would have spent $7,000 to do that, you’d have to be making up that difference.
In new homes, such as McGuire/Fort Dix Air Force Base in New Jersey, which is in the process of installing 2,000 Acadia systems in all of their base housing, they’re actually saving $3,000 per home by not putting in natural gas infrastructure. Also, your insurance may drop by not having gas within your home. You don’t need to install a direct vent. There’s no fuel storage. There’s no chimney. There are a lot of “little” savings that add up.
Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates
BPGL: Are there any 2010 energy tax credits people can take advantage of with an Acadia?
HALLOWELL: I’ve spent the last two years working on a new federal standard. Our senators here in the state of Maine actually helped us fight with the Department of Energy [DOE]. On November 23, 2009, the DOE issued a new federal standard recognizing boosted compression, or three-stage heat pumps, which had never been done before. Now consumers installing a qualifying three-stage heat pump can get the $1,500 tax credit that would be available to any other customer buying an air-source heat pump.
In 2010, the 2- and 3-ton Acadia models qualify for the tax credit listed under Energy Star. Even without the federal standards in place, the electric utilities have come in with huge support. In some parts of the country, we see rebates up to $4,000 per Acadia. Here in Bangor, Maine, we have a $1,600 rebate for every Acadia that goes in. Each electric company will apply its own rebates.
You can find electric utility rebates at DSIREUSA.org, which is a federal database. Utilities have also added their incentive and rebate programs onto that website.
BPGL: That should make it easy for consumers to find and apply for rebates.
HALLOWELL: When it comes to federal paperwork that needs to be filled out, a lot of people get lost in translation, trying to figure out whether their system qualifies. Trying to make it simple for everybody becomes a little problematic, especially when you get into windows and insulation, and things like that.
BPGL: Does Hallowell provide guidance to help people understand how to apply for the rebates?
The Acadia installs outside the home and connects to existing ductwork. Photo: Courtesy Duane Hallowell
HALLOWELL: Absolutely. Our dealer training and customer service go beyond the call of duty, simply because we are talking about those things. We’re talking about the building envelope and weatherization, and we continue to help customers take the right first steps, even before looking at an Acadia. This is the same recommendation that I’d make to anyone: Look at weatherization first.
Everyone defaults to the low-cost BTU or the smarter system, but you should first pay attention to the home itself — weatherization, insulation practices, doors, windows — these are the cornerstones to efficiency— and take advantage of those tax credits first.
Getting people to do it is another story. So, as we’re putting in an Acadia, we come in on an engineering angle and say, “If you spend $1,000 on insulation, we could actually downgrade your Acadia system so you could go to the next smallest model, which is $1,000 less. Then it potentially becomes a wash.
We try to work with our customers to take full advantage of energy efficiency, but also to talk with them about water conservation measures and what that means. We help people get used to certain things that don’t disrupt their standard of living. People like technology, but they don’t want change.
We also spend a lot of time with our dealers. In order to become an Acadia dealer, they have to go through a rigorous training that encompasses the entire home. That’s where we feel we’re making the greatest contribution to the customers themselves.
BPGL: How widespread is use of the Acadia?
HALLOWELL: We’re established in 38 states here in the US and all territories of Canada, with infrastructure, dealer networks, and wholesalers carrying the repair, parts, and products. We support over 8,000 dealers across the US.
Typically, we’ll go to areas that have the most advantage with their climate, their energy rates, and other variables. It was at my direction not to give a lot of attention to the Midwest, simply because of the favorable geothermal rates there. In other parts of the country, there wasn’t any other option. Up here, in New England, a geothermal system would cost you from $20- to $30,000.
300% Efficient
BPGL: In your advertising, you say the Acadia is 300% efficient — compared to what?
HALLOWELL: To answer that you’d have to understand what a co-efficient of performance is. A coefficient of performance is a measurement of usable energy. Electric heat is really your baseline and is 100% efficient. That’s called a coefficient of performance of one. You put power in, you get a certain amount of BTUs out — that’s 3.412 BTUs to get a little technical — for every Watt of energy that you’re delivering off the power source of the house. That rule applies whether that power is coming from solar or wind or right off the grid.
You use a lot of energy to provide heat. When you look at a boiler or furnace, it’s actually less than 1: between 85 and 95% efficient. The reason people use fossil fuel over electric heat is the energy rates. Even if it’s less efficient, fossil fuel might be cheaper.
When it comes to the heat pump, we’re actually not using the energy to create the heat. So a coefficient can be higher. You’ll see geothermals that say they’re 300 to 600% efficient. In other words, for that one Watt of energy that you’re putting into it, rather than getting 3 or 4 BTUs out of it, you’re getting 12-, 15-, or 20,000 BTUs. Unlike electric heat which uses energy to create heat, we take that same energy to transfer heat. This transferred heat is providing 3 or more times the BTU’s that were produced by electric heat at 100% efficiency, hence the 300% rating
BPGL: Is the Acadia as efficient at air conditioning as it is at heating?
HALLOWELL: It’s a simple flick of a switch to give you high-efficiency, two-stage air conditioning with the Acadia. The electric utility has what’s called a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, or SEER, that’s applied to air conditioners. The higher the number, the more efficient it is. Window air conditioners and the older central air conditioning units were typically anywhere between a 7 and a 10 SEER. The Acadia is a 15.
There are a ton of great air conditioners out there right now. But the discrepancy still remains by that single flick of a switch: Who can also work well in heating at conditions that we see across the US in northern climates?
BPGL: About how many units do you have out?
HALLOWELL: About 4,000 systems. We’re a very interesting product and company. We’re a very caring company, too, and I think it’s because we started out as an engineering company; it wasn’t about the sale. We’re very, very passionate about not only global warming, but also about fixing a broken-down infrastructure and paying closer attention to our dealers.
In the heating and cooling industry, the first customer we see isn’t the residential homeowner or the commercial property owner, it’s the dealer himself. Dealers are asking for simplicity in design and serviceability. The need for change in the HVAC industry has come in very strong and very rapidly, but there’s a lack of education and certification programs for dealers.
I’m very proud of my dealers. From a company standpoint, designing and bringing in new applications, we’re always looking at how to simplify the process. I think everyone else should follow suit to that, in support of better energy practices, of course.
Supporting Infrastructure
BPGL: What if a consumer installs an Acadia and has trouble with it? Are there enough service people who know how to fix it?
HALLOWELL: The beauty of an Acadia is that it works with an existing infrastructure — the HVAC industry. And if you open up your phone book in any part of the world, you’ve got air conditioning contractors. That’s very significant.
A lot of new technology has come in the last couple of years. We’re seeing overseas companies being better innovators and providing better technology than what we’re seeing here in the US. I get asked, “What about a fuel cell? What about a co-generation system? What about pellet stoves? What about this and that?
And I say, “Even if you could buy one, if it broke, who would fix it?” Even if the innovation is out there, and it answers everybody’s prayers, if it broke, could it get fixed?
Even in northern climates, you could install an Acadia, and if it broke, you’d have a phone book of service contractors who could actually repair it. And you’d have wholesalers and distribution locations that were always carrying the repair parts and making recommendations for trained Acadia contractors to use. We didn’t have to build any of that. So, as the infrastructure was already in place, it actually greased the skids to the release of the Acadia.
As Green as the Electric Grid
BPGL: Would you describe the Acadia as a “green” heating and cooling system?
HALLOWELL: We’re as green as the electric grid. In certain parts of the country, where there’s gas, nuclear, or coal use, that’s not so green. But in other parts of the country, we’ve got great wind power, hydro, tidal, earth or other clean renewable energy that can be used to power the Acadia. In those places, the Acadia is very green.
The Acadia doesn’t need to use any fossil fuel. We have a number of customers who power their Acadia solely from a solar panel or offset their electric bill every month with a wind turbine. It’s those types of stories that really fuel my fire.
You have to get people to think about the different ways of generating electric energy. In Manitoba, they use 98% hydro power. That electric energy being provided is very, very clean. We don’t have trucks running across the road delivering fuel into homes. In a time when we are seeing the icecaps melt, we all need to be concerned with things like that.
To me, we’re in the Energy Age. We got used to fuel being cheap. But change is coming rapidly for many reasons. With the Acadia, people are finding a choice away from fossil fuel, and that’s definitely what my objective was. I sleep very well at night.
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[...] Hallowell Acadia Iѕ Revolutionizing tһе Heating Industry | Blue Planet Green Living [...]
[...] an interview with the blog Blue Planet Green Living, Duane Hallowell, president of Hallowell International, makes the case for his new air-source heat [...]
Hi, just thought I’d give my current real world experience with the Hallowell Acadia.
I bought an Acadia unit in early 2009 (and was told by the Hallowell sales rep that it was eligible for the tax credit… obviously not true). In December 2009, after months of spotty service, it completely broke down. After the initial inspection by my installer Hallowell sent out a new part and a new start-up kit. During installation of the new part, it was determined that the unit was subject to a recall. Hallowell sent out a “new” Acadia unit. This unit was installed with help from Hallowell’s technical call service. 12 hours after installation the “new” unit stopped working. It is now March 15, 2010 and I’m still running on emergency heat.
My electric bills over the past 2 months have been $400… and I have a 7kw solar pv array!
Hallowell has serious quality control issues. Also, the unit is tremedously loud. It can be heard throughout the house. My neighbors say they can also hear the unit and they are about 200 feet away. The picture accompanying this article with the unit right below a window is laughable!
I bought the Hallowell hoping it would be an efficient and reliable way to heat my home. Instead, its been nothing but an expensive headache. Hopefully Hallowell will make this situation right!
Julia Wasson Reply:
March 16th, 2010 at 9:34 pm
Hi Todd.
You’ve certainly had a bad experience. I am forwarding your message to Duane Hallowell so that he knows what you’ve gone through. Of course, I cannot make promises for anyone other than myself, but I’m hopeful that he or his representative will find out what when wrong and help find a way to make it right. Please keep us posted on the status of your situation.
Julia Wasson
Julia Wasson Reply:
March 17th, 2010 at 3:55 pm
Todd,
I just received word from Hallowell International that Duane Hallowell will be contacting the dealer who installed the system and will be contacting you directly (if he hasn’t already done so). Please let us know as your issues are resolved.
Julia
Todd Reply:
March 18th, 2010 at 12:23 pm
Julia,
Thank you for taking the time to contact Duane Hallowell on my behalf. I have not heard from Mr. Hallowell, but I have been contacted via email by the head of Hallowell’s technical department. They appear willing to do whatever is necessary to fix this situation.
Here is where things stand at the moment. Yesterday, Wednesday March 17, my installer came out to inspect the Acadia unit. Once he got it running he called into to Hallowell’s technical department and talked to the service tech he had been working with, as well as the head of the technical department. They had the installer run several tests and everything seemed fine. However about 20 minutes into the phone call the Acadia unit started making a loud banging noise and then shut down (actually kind of fortuitous that it happened while my installer was on the phone with the head of the technical department).
It was determined that something happened during shipping that caused a barring to misalign in the compressor. Hallowell’s tech department immediately decided to send out another unit.
I am expecting delivery and installation of the new unit next week. This will be my third Acadia unit within the first year. I’m hoping this one finally lives up to the expectations I had going in. If this one fails, I do not foresee me accepting a fourth unit. It will be time for Hallowell to refund me the cost of the unit and reimburse my installation costs so I can install another heating system.
Again, thank you Julia for your efforts on my behalf.
Oh, and today I received my latest electric bill for $395.93. I shudder to think what it would be without my solar pv!
Julia Wasson Reply:
March 18th, 2010 at 3:30 pm
Hi Todd.
Thanks for giving such a complete update on your situation. I’m pleased that you’re getting attention from the head of Hallowell’s technical team — and that they’re sending you a new unit. I don’t blame you for losing patience if this next unit doesn’t work. But, chances are really good that it will be fine. There are huge numbers of satisfied Acadia customers, so the odds are that your next one will work as intended. Of course, if it doesn’t, I agree that they should honor your wish to get your money back.
It certainly was fortuitous that the banging happened while they were on the phone. Usually it doesn’t work out that well — maybe your luck is turning!
Please let us know how things go with the next unit they install. Here’s hoping for a positive result.
Julia
[...] Hallowell Acadia Is Revolutionizing the Heating Industry [...]
I am looking into purchasing this unit but the electric bills are double plus of what they are for me now. 3 a/c units to be installed in one year. In Connecticut the winter can be terrible I cannot afford the same oil bill as the electric bill and give away 10,000. I would like to hear a few good stories with reasonable or very low electric bills. I have spray insulation, going solar, new windows, I need the finishing touch reliable low cost a/c and heat. I am ready to buy buttttttt. Any one in CT or anywhere have good results. email me or post it here ct.chihuahua@cox.net
Julia or anyone, I am trying to reach the company but the phone go unanswered. After asking around a bit, it seems like these guy may be out of business. Can anyone advise?
Thanks
Julia Wasson Reply:
August 15th, 2010 at 5:11 pm
Hi William.
To my knowledge, they’re very much in business, but I can’t swear to it. I’ll shoot you an email with the contact info I have for them. Please let us know what you find out!
Julia
Hi Julia,
I’m also in the market for an Acadia but my messages and emails to their customer service department go unreturned. Doesn’t give one a warm and fuzzy feeling about the state of the company.
Thanks
D
Julia Wasson Reply:
September 15th, 2010 at 9:56 am
Hi Dave,
Thanks for your comment. I’ve heard that the company isn’t still in business. Tried to verify with their PR folks who had contacted me initially, but they didn’t respond. I’m disappointed, as I wanted to buy one myself! Maybe they’ll straighten out the kinks and be back soon. One can hope!
Julia
I’ve tried e-mailing 2 days ago and have received no respone. I’ve left phone messages and no response. I’ve tried clicking on the links to find a dealer/distributor but no luck.
Hi Julia,
We had a Hallowell Acadia system installed a couple of years ago and it has been a $16,000 disaster. First unit broke down and had to be replaced, sloppy installation, no support from the company, and only marginal heat. We’ve given up and are installing a pellet stove. If they have gone out of business, then good riddance!
Julia Wasson Reply:
October 23rd, 2010 at 4:17 pm
Hi Frank.
I’m sorry to hear of your disappointing experience with the Hallowell Acadia. As with pretty much every product, some people have had success, while others have not. It’s unfortunate that this was such a costly “disaster” for you!
I hope that Hallowell gets the technology fixed one day. It’s still a great idea — one that Joe and I wanted to try in our own home. But if it isn’t working, then more research is required.
Thanks for stopping by Blue Planet Green Living, and for telling us about your experience. Are you satisfied with your pellet stove?
Julia
Hello Julia, I as well own a faulty Acadia system. I have had multiple system failures over the short time of ownership. The last time Hallowell was out they had stated they would replace the unit if it failed again. After the repair the unit ran well for approximately 13 months although a little on the noisy side. During this time unit showed great promise by heating and cooling well and the cost savings were great! But all good things come to an end especially if you own a Hallowell product.
One week ago the system failed once again! I tried to reach Hallowell for the warranty work but to no avail. Nobody will answer the phones and I have tried every extension. I would like to know if Hallowell is out of business and what are my options at this time?
Thank you for your time.
In the cold
Steve Brian
Julia Wasson Reply:
November 5th, 2010 at 8:01 am
Hi Steve.
It’s sad that such a promising invention isn’t living up to expectations. It seemed like such a wonderful advancement.
Because Blue Planet Green Living is merely a magazine, and not a retailer of Hallowell products, I don’t really know what to advise you. Have you tried contacting the installer to try to get in touch with the owners of the company?
The company continues to have a website and a telephone system, but all calls seem to go to voicemail for Joseph Gross. I’ve also been trying without success (so far) to contact the publicist who put us in touch with Hallowell in the first place, but she does not respond to my requests for information.
All in all, it doesn’t look very positive from my end, though I will keep trying to find out whatever I can. Please let me know if you learn anything more about the status of the company. A few other readers are also interested in contacting the manufacturer.
Best regards – and best of success,
Julia
Steven Brian Reply:
November 9th, 2010 at 11:40 am
Thank you for your time Julia and please let me know if you hear from Hallowell. I’ll be making a visit to Hallowell this week! I’ll anything that I learn here for others that might need info or help.
Julia Wasson Reply:
November 9th, 2010 at 11:43 am
That would be great, Steve. Thanks for your willingness to share what you learn. Still no word on my end.
Julia
Hello Julia,
I stumbled upon these comments and had to share my experience. We have had this system installed for 3 years in our newly built cape in Northern Maine. After the initial installation and “working the bugs out”, this system has been wonderful! In the summertime, our electric bill runs about $120-$150 a month and in the winter it runs from about $200-600…..of couse the higher bills are rare and during brutally cold weather. I have an electric hot water heater, two kids and live on a windy ridge so I think these rates are excellent! The people who have had such bad luck make me wonder if it was installed properly??? Ours was installed by the dealer but we also had to hire an electrician for proper wiring. Also, all of our duct work is insulated. We had to order a small part for our outside unit the first winter but it was sent out quickly and installed by our dealer. In my opinion, if the unit is installed properly, it is very efficient….we love it!
Julia Wasson Reply:
November 21st, 2010 at 7:17 pm
Hi Kristie.
I’m so glad to hear that you’ve had such good luck with your Hallowell Acadia. It seems like such a wonderful concept. I hope that the company hasn’t gone out of business, though it seems more and more likely with every story I hear. This is refreshing news! And you may have the answer to at least some of the problems people are experiencing. I just wish we could reach Duane Hallowell to get support for the folks who are having trouble with their units. What do you do for service on your unit? Is there anyone in your local area who can service it if you have problems?
Thanks for writing,
Julia
After much research into heating units, we installed an Acadia unit in March of 2009. In July, 2010, the compressor broke and we were without air conditioning. After ~2 weeks, we were sent a new compressor, which our installer found was also broken. It took a total of 5 weeks without central air conditioning, for Hallowell to send us a new compressor and to have it installed. During this time (July and August), we had to purchase window units to keep the house cool and our electric bill was much higher than previous statements.
Two days ago (Nov. 28, 2010), our unit again broke down. We are now running only on stage 1, so when the temperature drops, our unit cannot accommodate with appropriate heat. Our installer has been out to reset the unit, without success. We have called Hallowell, but only have the option to leave a message and have not yet received a call back. To say the least, we are completely frustrated with this unit and with Hallowell in general. The worst part is that we have a baby in the house!
Julia Wasson Reply:
December 4th, 2010 at 3:05 pm
Shelly, I’m sorry to hear of your problems with Acadia. I’ve tried to contact them, too, without success. From all reports, I’d say they’re out of business. But if someone knows differently, I hope they let us all know. It’s too bad, as it was such promising technology. I wish you the best in getting it to work again.
Julia
Hi, I installed 2 units in Fall 2009, There was a problem with the control board on one, and Chip from Hallowell actually stopped by my house and fixed it. He verified my install was excellent. The units worked great, as advertised, until recently. But now the first floor unit seems to only work in stage 1. It says stage 2 and stage 3 on the thermostat sometimes, but the air is never hot. My installer has not been able to reach the company. Does anyone know if the Hallowell dealers have been able to contact Hallowell?
Julia, I saw links to dealers on the Hallowell site that work:
http://www.gotohallowell.com/175-New-York/
Any chance you could check with some of them, and see if they have been able to service an Hallowell units lately? And if the were able to fix them, with or without Hallowell’s help?
When installed properly, this system is phenomenal. I should have gone with 2×3 ton units but opted for the 4 ton unit. In our recent coldsnap (unusual for CT) the 4 ton kept a 3200 square foot colonial at 72 during the day with no problem.
When the temperature was in the single numbers, the 4 ton unit was a bit undersized, the unit struggled to keep the upstairs at 70, often attaining only 67-68. The downstairs was not an issue.
The A/C has been great during the summer.
And the burning question, how much does it cost to run? At least 50% less than oil at our highest in the nation electric rates
We have had our unit since 2008–no issues
Anthony.. I agree about the great performance and am very satisfied with my single 4-ton… We have ~2,800 sq ft (3 zones) and are very comfortable at a constant ~67 degrees (the humdification system installed near the air handler makes it feel warmer).. In fact, our electric bill for January was $412 and I live in Mass… with no oil or gas bill either.
Needed to clear out the snow from around the unit a couple of times this year… but can use the exercise.
My big concern (and guessing this might be a concern of a lot of fellow “happy” consumers) is what to do!?!? I don’t think anyone can service this if (when) it breaks now that Hallowell has gone AWOL. The savings is so profound for the short term I’d hate to rip it out! The wife & I discussed it & we are gonna let this baby go for as long as it will.. We have a 4Kwatt electric backup (which I don’t think have EVER kicked in) just in case it can’t keep up with demand (or breaks)
Any one out there have any similar thoughts?? Or hoards of spare parts that might be available?
It is my understanding that the parts are readily available from any HVAC supply store off the shelf. A good HVAC person should be able to read the schematic and diagnose the problem when service is required.
I believe Hallowell is in negotiations with Ingersoll-Rand (TRANE and AMERICAN STANDARD) to be acquired.
I hope part of the sale is to honor the warrantees of the Hallowell units
The Acadia is a fraud. Over 30% of units known have major issues! I suspect problems are more…..For the minority who had no issues, once the unit is broken, no one will service it!
No one will purchase a company who produces “JUNK”
Hi, Hallowell is now out of business and the bank has taken over all of its assets. I had hoped that they could be taken over by a company that had deep pockets to perfect what seems to be a great concept. We have had, and continued to have major issues with our Acadia unit which has been replaced. It has never, since September of 2008, work for two months without a breakdown. Now there is no warrantee and parts will be a problem. Maybe it’s time to make the unit a paper weight.
Bill Preis
The fat lady has sung. Hallowell International is out of business.
Parts however, will be available at the local HVAC store. The schematic is in your owner’s manual.
Hopefully a good HVAC tech will be able to address any issues you might have
Yes, Hallowell is OUT OF BUSINESS and we are OUT OF LUCK.
I reported earlier that I had no issues for 3 years with my Hallowell 4 Ton Unit.
Guess what? My compressor just blew and now I can not even get a replacement under warranty.
Debating whether to fix this unit and replace the compressor, contactor (which has been implicated as the cause of early compressor failure) and the capacitor.
This will run about $1500 or just bite the bullet and install a new YORK AFFINITY 18 SEER 5 TON unit for $4500.
We installed the Acadia in 2008 and aside from some minor issues early on ran quite well until about 1 month ago. Now, the unit is not working and I am in the same boat with all of you wtih no heat (aside from a gas fireplace) and no air conditioning. I don’t know if I want to fix it at all. I’ve heard that it’s good money after bad.
What’s that noise? $12,000 flushing into the sewer!
I live in Maine, so there are no other heat pumps that will work up here when it gets cold. I have already removed my oil system and oil tank.
I think I will have to install a propane system.
BTW – I went to Hallowell. The doors are locked. Shocker!
As an installer in the trade for 18 years , I saw these systems as a new trend. I took the training up in Maine and bought one from F W Webb ( the ONLY authorized dealer) . It worked wekk these past 2 winters with some icing up. Two weeks ago I came home to a warm house, outside temp was 85 . Breaker blown. I pulled the outside disconnect and reset the breaker. After opening the access panel and getting my gauges ready I started the unit up….. I watched as the primary compressor exploded in my face. The tell tale smoke wisp that preceded it from the electrical contacts on the compressor allowed me to turn away as the compressor dumped 14 lbs. of r410a and blew the double pole 40. Never seen that before… After talking to F W Webb inside sales staff I was told that they “might be getting some compressors in”…. Waited a week, .. nope… Same people tell me that I am out of luck and that they are not honoring the warranty due to Hallowell shutting down.
As I bought the system from the dealer, and the system has a 98% compressor failure rate, I would think that the Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act of 1975 should allow me to return this pile of crap to the dealer for a complete refund. I contacted the branch manager with my request and await her response. If i get the run around I will file in court on monday. No sense to wait till winter.
Julia Wasson Reply:
July 1st, 2011 at 6:40 pm
Kris, I’m so sorry to hear of this. Like you, a lot of us thought the Hallowell was a great idea. I’ve heard mostly complaints from people who’ve had problems, though I’ve also heard some positive reviews. Normally, I try to intervene to help consumers who have been burned by something I’ve reviewed on my site. But with the company gone, there doesn’t seem to be much I can do. Please keep us posted about your situation.
Thanks for writing, Julia
For everyone with Acadia units. You need to look into this more! I don’t own one, but since hearing about them I’ve been intrigued and was saddened to see the company is out of business, especially once I learned how small of an issue it really was that caused many of the failures. It was something with the contactors or start up relay Bristol (compressor manuf.) told them to use. A group of guys have gotten together to try to solve this and have come up with a viable solution. So if you have one of these units, I advise you to do a search for the Hallowell Acadia google group. I’m in no way affiliated with them but it saddens me to see such a great concept gone and company dead because of such a small problem. There’s also a series of videos on youtube that will show you how to troubleshoot the more common problems, on youtube search Acadia Heat pump. I hope this helps a few people and please spread the word!!!